A systematic review of management of ureteroarterial fistula.

OBJECTIVE: Ureteroarterial fistula (UAF) is lethal condition. However, no consensus has been reached regarding the diagnosis and treatment of UAF owing to its rarity. The aim of our report was to present an actual case of UAF and systematically review the symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment of this condition. METHODS: The case study was of a 52-year-old woman who had experienced a massive hemorrhage during urinary stent replacement. For the systematic review of studies of UAF, those written in English and reported from 1939 to 2020 were searched for on PubMed using the keywords "uretero-arterial fistula," "arterio-ureteral fistula," and "hematuria." RESULTS: We included 121 studies with 235 patients (mean age, 66.0 years; 139 women [59.1%]) in our review. UAF had occurred most frequently in the common iliac artery (n = 112; 47.7%). Almost all patients (n = 232; 98.7%) had complained of hematuria. The risk factors for UAF were pelvic surgery (n = 205; 87.2%), the long-term use of urinary stents (n = 170; 72.3%), oncologic radiotherapy (n = 107; 45.5%), and malignancy (n = 159; 67.7%). Although computed tomography can detect various useful findings such as extravasation, pseudoaneurysm, hydronephrosis, and opacification of ureters, it was diagnostically useful for only one third of the cases. Angiography was useful for the diagnoses of UAF for 124 (66.3%) of the 187 patients (79.6%) who had undergone angiography. With regard to treatment, endovascular approaches have been widely used in recent years because their invasiveness is lesser than that of open surgical repair. In the era of endovascular therapy, the indications for open surgical repair include ureteral-intestinal fistula, abscess formation, and graft infection after endovascular therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Computed tomography can be recommended as the first examination for patients with risk factors for UAF because of its usefulness. Subsequently, angiography should be considered because UAF can be treated using an endovascular approach after diagnostic angiography. The diagnosis and treatment of UAF can often be difficult; therefore, the important first step of diagnosis is suspecting the occurrence of UAF and using a multidisciplinary approach.

Endovascular coil embolization of inferior mesenteric artery to ileal-conduit fistula: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Uretero-arterial fistulas (UAFs) are uncommon and pose a diagnostic dilemma, making them life threatening if not recognized and treated expediently. UAFs to small arteries such as a branch of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) are very uncommon and present a further diagnostic and treatment challenge. There should be a high index of suspicion for UAFs when intervening on patients with history of treated pelvic cancers and long-standing ureteric stents experiencing hematuria not attributable to another cause. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a fistula formed between a distal branch of the IMA-superior rectal artery-and an ileal-conduit in a patient with a long-standing reverse nephroureterostomy (Hobbs) catheter presenting with abdominal pain and hematuria through the conduit. During a tube exchange, contrast injection demonstrated a fistula with the superior rectal artery, multiple ileal intraluminal blood clots, and active extravasation. The patient became tachycardic and hypotensive, actively bleeding through the ileal-conduit, prompting a massive transfusion protocol. Successful endovascular coiling of the superior rectal artery was performed with resolution of active extravasation and stabilization of the patient. The patient recovered and was discharged in stable condition 10 days later. CONCLUSIONS: Although UAFs are uncommon, our case demonstrated key predisposing risk factors to fistula development; pelvic cancer surgery, pelvic radiation, and a prolonged ureteric stent through the ileal-conduit. Typically, UAFs arise from communication with the iliac arterial system, however in this instance we have demonstrated that fistulization to other arterial vessels is also possible. Endovascular management has become the preferred method of therapy, typically involving the placement of covered stents when involving the iliac arterial system. In this instance stent grafting was not possible due to the small caliber vessel and therefore had to be embolized.

Urethrocutaneous fistula following VMMC: a case series from March 2013 to October 2019 in ZAZIC's voluntary medical male circumcision program in Zimbabwe.

BACKGROUND: Urethrocutaneous fistula (subsequently, fistula) is a rare adverse event (AE) in voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) programs. Global fistula rates of 0.19 and 0.28 per 100,000 VMMCs were reported. Management of fistula can be complex and requires expert skills. We describe seven cases of fistula in our large-scale VMMC program in Zimbabwe. We present fistula rates; provide an overview of initial management, surgical interventions, and patient outcomes; discuss causes; and suggest future prevention efforts. RESULTS: Case details are presented on fistulas identified between March 2013 and October 2019. Among the seven fistula clients, ages ranged from 10 to 22 years; 6 cases were among boys under 15 years of age. All clients received surgical VMMC by trained providers in an outreach setting. Clients presented with fistulae 2-42 days after VMMC. Secondary infection was identified in 6 of 7 cases. Six cases were managed through surgical repair. The number of repair attempts ranged from 1 to 10. One case healed spontaneously with conservative management. Fistula rates are presented as cases/100,000 VMMCs. CONCLUSION: Fistula is an uncommon but severe AE that requires clinical expertise for successful management and repair. High-quality AE surveillance should identify fistula promptly and include consultation with experienced urologists. Strengthening provider surgical skills and establishment of standard protocols for fistula management would aid future prevention efforts in VMMC programs.

Arterio-Ureteral Fistula: Systematic Review of 445 Patients.

PURPOSE: Arterio-ureteral fistula (AUF) is an uncommon diagnosis, but increasingly reported and potentially lethal. This systematic review comprehensively presents risk factors, pathophysiology, location and clinical presentation of AUF aiming to increase clinical awareness of this rare but life-threatening condition, and to put this entity into a contemporary perspective with modern diagnostic tools and treatment strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This review was performed according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Individual Participant Data) guidelines. A literature search in PubMed® and EMBASE™ was conducted. In addition, retrieved articles were cross-referenced. Data parameters included oncologic, vascular and urological history, diagnostics, treatment, and followup, and were collected using a standard template by 2 independent reviewers. RESULTS: A total of 245 articles with 445 patients and 470 AUFs were included. Most patients had chronic indwelling ureteral stents (80%) and history of pelvic oncology (70%). Hematuria was observed in 99% of the patients, of whom 76% presented with massive hematuria with or without previous episodes of (micro)hematuria. For diagnosis, angiography had a sensitivity of 62%. The most predominant location of AUF was at the common iliac artery ureteral crossing. AUF-specific mortality before 2000 vs after 2000 is 19% vs 7%, coinciding with increasing use of endovascular stents. CONCLUSIONS: AUF should be considered in patients with a medical history of vascular surgery, pelvic oncologic surgery, irradiation and/or chronic indwelling ureteral stents presenting with intermittent (micro)hematuria. A multidisciplinary consultation is necessary for diagnosis and treatment. The most sensitive test is angiography and the preferred initial treatment is endovascular.

Embolization of Urinary Tract Fistulae Using an AMPLATZER Vascular Plug and Glue.

Six patients (mean age, 57.7 y ± 19.7) with persistent urinary fistulae underwent 7 urinary tract embolizations with AMPLATZER Vascular Plugs (AVPs) and glue: 5 with concomitant cavity obliteration with glue and 2 without. A single procedure was successful in resolving urinary leakage in 5 patients (71%) at a mean follow-up of 27.3 wk ± 31.5 (median, 9.7 wk; range, 4.9-80 wk). Repeat cavity embolization was required in 2 instances to achieve clinical success. Mean survival was 42.3 wk (median, 16.4 wk; range, 11.7-104 wk). Combined AVP and glue embolization may prove to be a primary approach in the control of persistent fistulae.

Gelatin sponge (Spongostan®) and N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate: Utility on percutaneous treatment of persistent urinary leakage after partial nephrectomy. Case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous treatment of persistent urinary fistula after partial nephrectomy using N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate and gelatin sponge (Spongostan®) is an effective and relatively non-invasive procedure that should be considered when a conservative approach fails. Three successful cases of percutaneous embolization by using N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate have been reported in the literature. To our knowledge, the use of Spongostan for the treatment of urinary fistula after partial nephrectomy has not been previously described. CASE REPORT: We present the case of an 82-year old man who underwent percutaneous closure of a urinary fistula following partial nephrectomy by using gelatin sponge (Spongostan®) and N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate. CONCLUSIONS: We encourage the use of this technique in selected cases. Collaboration amongst urologists and skilled interventional radiologist is strongly recommended.

Therapeutic Ureteral Occlusion with Use of Occlusion Stents for Urinary Leakage or Fistula: A Bicentric Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ureteral occlusion stents for urinary diversion in patients with inoperable urinary leakage or fistula or intractable bladder bleeding. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 13 ureters in 12 patients (M:F = 4:8) who underwent ureteral occlusion stenting were included in this study. The internally silicone membrane-coated occlusion stent was a self-expanding stent with constriction at the middle (M-type) or distal end (D-type) of the stent. RESULTS: The reasons for ureteral occlusion were surgery infeasibility for urinary leakage (n = 6), temporary ureteral occlusion for urinary leakage before surgical reconstruction (n = 2), urinary fistula (n = 3), or control of bleeding from bladder cancer (n = 1). Technical success defined as successful deployment of the occlusion stent with no contrast agent passing beyond the occlusion stent was achieved in 92.3% (12/13 ureters); in one ureter with contrast passage beyond the occlusion stent, additional n-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) embolization was performed immediately so that there was no further leakage. There were no procedure-related complications. During the mean follow-up of 11.6 months, recurrence of urinary leakage was observed in two ureters (15.4%, 2/13) where a D-type occlusion stent was used on the 3-day follow-up antegrade ureterogram; the contrast agent passed through the widened constricted portion of the occlusion stent and repeat occlusion with microcoils, and NBCA was subsequently performed inside the occlusion stent and with no further urinary leakage until the last follow-up. CONCLUSION: The ureteral occlusion stent is safe and effective for ureteral occlusion. Recurrence of leakage can be managed with additional microcoil and NBCA embolization.

Bilateral Ureteropelvic Junction Disruptions in a 17-Year-Old With Bilateral Ureteral Duplications: Impact of Unrecognized Duplications and Unique Management of Nephrocutaneous Fistula.

A case of bilateral ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) disruptions in a patient with bilateral duplication anomalies is presented. A UPJ disruption with a duplication anomaly has not been reported let alone bilateral duplication anomalies. The unrecognized duplication anomalies led to isolated and obstructed upper pole segments that were managed by bilateral heminephrectomies. A nephrocutaneous fistula developed after one of the heminephrectomies that was successfully managed using a method of percutaneous fulguration and fibrin sealant. In UPJ disruption cases, the possibility of a duplicated collecting system should be considered as an unrecognized duplication may complicate management and prolong recovery.

Conservative treatment for urinary fistula following ileal conduit urinary diversion: a simple method.

BACKGROUND: The presence of urinary fistula after ileal conduit urinary diversion is a challenging complication, and this study investigated the role of the intra-conduit negative pressure system (NPS) in the presence of urinary fistula following ileal conduit (IC) urinary diversion as a conservative treatment. METHODS: Using the intra-conduit NPS, a minor drainage tube was placed within a silicon tube to suck urine from the conduit with consistent negative pressure. Patients with urinary fistula following IC from August 2012 to July 2017 were recorded, and the clinical characteristics and outcome were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The intra-conduit NPS was used as a primarily conservative treatment for 13 patients who suffered from urinary fistula and presented with a large amount of abdominal/pelvic drainage without other significant morbidities. The median age was 60 years old (42-74 years), and 7patients were male. The median duration between the IC operation and the presence of urinary fistula was 15 days (2-28 days), and elevated creatinine levels were detected in the abdominal/pelvic drainage with a median level of 2114 µmol/L (636-388 µmol/L). A significant decrease in abdominal/pelvic drainage was identified in 12 patients. The median time that the NPS was used was 9 days (7-11 days). The other patient did not show any improvements after 2 days of observation and then underwent open surgery. With ureteral stenting, 2 abdominal drainage tubes and the intra-conduit NPS were placed during operation, no urine leakage was observed in the abdominal/pelvic field, and the patient was cured in 9 days. With a median follow-up of 22 months, no fistula recurrence or hydronephrosis was detected. CONCLUSION: The intra-conduit negative pressure system is a feasible and promising way to cure urinary fistula following ileal conduit urinary diversion. Because this procedure is a mini-invasive and simple approach, it might represent an alternative in selected patients.

Transrenal Ureteral Occlusion for Palliation of Refractory Urine Leaks Using Vascular Plugs and Liquid Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol.

PURPOSE: To describe outcomes of transrenal embolization with vascular plugs and ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) in a case series of patients with refractory urinary leak or fistula. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen ureteral occlusions performed over 53 months in 9 consecutive patients (56% female; mean age 61 y; range, 45-80 y) were reviewed retrospectively. The main indication was palliation for refractory fistula or leak in the setting of malignancy not responding to urine diversion by percutaneous nephrostomy tube or nephroureteral stent. Transrenal ureteral occlusion was performed using EVOH injected between vascular plugs placed distal and proximal to the leak or fistula. RESULTS: Technical success was 100%. Considerable reduction of urine leak or symptoms (clinical success) was achieved in 64% of ureters after mean follow-up of 105 days (range, 0-632 d). Complete ureteral occlusion on follow-up anterograde nephrostogram (imaging success) was achieved in 60% of ureters after mean follow-up of 139 days (range, 0-643 d). One patient with distal ureterovesical junction-perineal fistula had continued leak despite complete proximal occlusion of ureter owing to retrograde urine reflux from the bladder and was treated with endoscopic injection of intramural calcium hydroxyapatite to the ureteral segment distal to the fistula. Three ureters (33%) in 2 patients with vesicovaginal fistula had recanalization, requiring additional proximal embolization, yielding secondary success rates of 91% (clinical) and 90% (imaging) per ureter. One minor urinary tract infection and no major complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Transrenal anterograde ureteral occlusion using EVOH between vascular plugs could be considered a relatively safe and potentially valuable treatment option for refractory ureteral fistulae.

Percutaneous Obliteration of Urinary Leakage after Partial Nephrectomy Using N-Butyl-Cyanoacrylate Obliteration of the Urinoma with or without Coil Embolization of the Fistula Tract.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of the percutaneous obliteration of urinary leakage after partial nephrectomy (PN) using coils and N-butyl-cyanoacrylate (NBCA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of 10 consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous obliteration of urinary leakage after PN using coil and NBCA between February 2016 and May 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. A urinary fistulography was performed via the drainage catheter. If the fistulous tract was clearly visualized, super-selective embolization of the fistulous tract with coils and urinoma cavity sealing with NBCA was performed. In cases where the fistulous tract could not be clearly visualized, only urinoma cavity sealing was performed. Outcomes and complications were assessed by reviewing medical records and computed tomography (CT). RESULTS: In 7 (70%) patients who showed obvious urinary fistulous tract, coil embolization of the urinary fistulous tract, followed by sealing of the urinoma cavity with NBCA, was performed. Obliteration of the urinoma without coil embolization of the fistula tract was performed in 3 patients (30%) in whom a distinct fistulous tract could not be visualized. The median number of treatment sessions required to achieve clinical success was 1 (range, 1-5). Four patients underwent multiple repeated procedure with successful results. All patients showed gradual decrease in size or complete disappearance of urinoma on follow-up CT without evidence of urinary leakage during the follow-up period (mean, 44.6 weeks; range, 11-117 weeks). There were no procedure-related complications. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous obliteration of urinary leakage after PN using coils and NBCA is safe and effective.

Iliac-Ileal Conduit Fistula.

One of the possible complications of chronic ureteral stenting is an artery-urinary tract fistula, although it is very rare. If it occurs, it is an emergency that needs surgery because of hemorrhage. We describe a case of an iliac-ileal conduit fistula, which is extremely rare, that was successfully treated by endovascular stent grafting.

Soft tissue infection after photoselective vaporization of the prostate: a life-threating complication.

Bladder outlet obstruction is a common aetiology of lower urinary tract symptoms in adult men and several treatment options are available. We report on a case of a 73-year-old man with a complicated soft tissue infection due to an urinoma after laser prostatectomy. He was treated by several surgical interventions and long-term antibiotic therapy.

[Arterioureteral fistulas in the last 10 years at the University of Lübeck]. / Arterioureterale Fisteln innerhalb der letzten 10 Jahre an der Universität zu Lübeck.

INTRODUCTION: Arterioureteral fistulas are rare, life-threatening, and difficult to diagnose. Risk factors are medical interventions in the lesser pelvis (general, urological, gynecological, and vascular surgery), radiation therapy of the lesser pelvis, permanent double J catheters, and previous vessel malformations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated all cases of arterioureteral fistulas registered over the last 10 years in the clinic's documentation system. For all cases, clinical symptoms, diagnostics, therapies as well as clinical outcome were evaluated. RESULTS: Four of the 5 patients were women. The most common initial symptom was a gross hematuria (4/5). All patients had a permanent double J catheter after extensive surgery of the lesser pelvis. In one case the initial diagnosis was done by retrograde ureterography, in 2 patients by provocative angiography and in the other 2 cases with a laparotomy due to cardiovascular problems. Three patients were treated by open surgery and 2 patients were treated by stenting of the iliac artery. One patient died, 2 patients had a permanent kidney fistula, and 2 patients continued treatment with a permanent double J catheter. CONCLUSION: Based on the more aggressive therapy regimens, we expect that the number of patients presenting with arterioureteral fistulas will continue to rise. The identification of these patients based on their risk profile is essential.

Pubis bone osteomyelitys after robotic radical cystectomy with continent intracorporeal urinary diversion: Multidisciplinary approach to a complex situation.

Pubic bone osteomyelitis is a rare infectious condition which is characterized by a complex diagnostic and therapeutic workup, due to its various clinical manifestations. Among the many causes of this condition, urinary fistula is the most common in case of previous urological procedures. In order to solve this complication, it is crucial to treat both the fistula and (moreover) the infectious locus arising from it, because treating the fistula alone does not provide any control on the infectious noxa. We present the first case of pubic bone osteomyelitis arising from a urinary fistula after a robotic radical cystectomy with intra corporeal continent neobladder, which has been successfully treated through a multidisciplinary approach.

Fístulas urinarias / Urinary fistulas

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Approach to Ureterovaginal Fistula: Examining 13 Years of Experience.

OBJECTIVE: We describe the management and outcomes of ureterovaginal fistulas over a 13-year period and present a treatment algorithm. METHODS: We performed a review of ureterovaginal fistula cases between January 2005 and December 2017 at our tertiary academic center. Demographics, diagnostic approaches, and treatment outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: Nineteen cases of ureterovaginal fistula were identified. Fistulas developed after hysterectomy in 18 cases and cesarean delivery in 1 case. Our primary treatment was conservative management with ureteral stenting in 12 and reimplantation in 6 cases. There was 1 case of spontaneous resolution. Ureteral stenting was successful in 11 (92%) of 12 patients. Stents were left in place for an average of 66 days (27-92 days). Complications of stents included pyelonephritis in 2 cases (18%) and stricture in 1 case (9%). Ultimately, conservative management was successful in treating ureterovaginal fistulas in 10 (83%) of 12 cases. The indications for primary ureteral reimplantation were concurrent vesicovaginal fistula in 3 cases, history of ureteral injury with surgical repair during the index surgery in 2 cases, and a 1-year delay in diagnosis in 1 case. A variety of follow-up surveillance methods were used, including tampon tests, computed tomographic urograms, retrograde pyelograms, and MAG-3 Lasix renal scans. CONCLUSIONS: In carefully selected patients, ureteral stenting results in high cure rates for posthysterectomy ureterovaginal fistulas and should be considered first-line therapy. Complicated ureterovaginal fistulas may be best managed by primary ureteral reimplantation.